¥ BABBITT'S
latent 50ft Petal f ittefc gms,
FOB
AXLES, GUDGEONS, ETC.
PATENTED JULY 17, 1839.
PATENT EXTENDED EOE SEVEN YEAES
FROM JULY 17, 1853.
PATENT, PETITION, AFFIDAVITS, ETC.
gtolte of Sails, ©pwm of tatsd, dt.
A. B. ELY, Esq., BOSTON,
ATTORNEY, AND SOLE AGENT.
WILLIAM WHITING, Esq., BOSTON,
COUNSEL FOR PATENT.
BO STON:
PRINTED BY ALFRED MUDGE, No. 21 SCHOOL STREET.
1854.
9-39^_ rf<J5^^1
BABBITT'S
fiitti 50ft SttBl fiu% S0*es,
FOR
AXLES, GUDGEONS, ETC.
PATENTED JULY 17, 1839.
PATENT EXTENDED FOE SEVEN YEARS
FROM JULY 17, 1853.
PATENT, PETITION, AFFIDAVITS, ETC.
SissHs of Suite, ©pioit ai found, tk.
A. B. ELY, Esq., BOSTON,
ATTORNEY, AND SOLE AGENT.
WILLIAM WHITING, Esq., BOSTON,
COUNSEL FOR PATENT.
BOSTON:
PRINTED BY ALFRED MUDGE, No. 21 SCHOOL STREET.
1854.
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2009 with funding from
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http://www.archive.org/details/babbittspatentsoOObabb
PATENT RIGHT
No. 1252.
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
To all to whom these Letters Patent shall come.
Whereas, ISAAC BABBITT, of Boston, Massachusetts,
lias alleged that he has invented a new and useful im-
provement in the mode of making Boxes for Axles and
Gudgeons, which he states has not been known or used
before his application ; has made oath that he is a citizen
of the United States ; that he does verily believe that he
is the original and first inventor or discoverer of the said
improvement, and that the same hath not, to the best of
his knowledge and belief, been previously known or used ;
has paid into the treasury of the United States, the sum
of thirty dollars, and presented a petition to the Com-
missioner of Patents, signifying a desire of obtaining an
exclusive property in the said improvement, and praying
that a patent may be granted for that purpose.
These are, therefore, to grant, according to law, to the
said Isaac Babbitt, his heirs, administrators, or assigns,
for the term of fourteen years from the seventeenth day of
July, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine, the
full and exclusive right and liberty of making, construct-
ing, using, and vending to others to be used, the said im-
provement ; a description whereof is given in the words of
the said Isaac Babbitt, in the schedule hereunto annexed,
and is made a part of these presents.
In Testimony Whebeof, I have caused these Letters to
be made Patent, and the seal of the Patent Office has
been hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, this
seventeenth day of July, in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine, and of the In-
dependence of the LTnited States of America, the sixty-
fourth.
JOHN FOESYTH,
Secretary of State.
HENEY L. ELLSWOETH,
Commissioner of Patents.
a£g£g.g£jg Countersigned and Sealed with the Seal
£SEAL'S of the Patent Office.
The Schedule referred to in these Letters Patent, and
making part of the same.
To all to whom it may congern. Be it known, that
I, Isaac Babbitt, of the city of Boston, in the State of
Massachusetts, have invented a new and improved mode
of making or constructing the boxes within which the
gudgeons, or journals for machinery in general, and the
axles of railroad cars, locomotive engines, and other cars
and carriages, arc to run ; by which mode of constructing
or making such boxes or bearings, the heating and abra-
sion which is apt to occur under the ordinary mode of
constructing them, are prevented, and their durability is
consequently increased. And I do hereby declare, that
the following is a full and exact description thereof.
I prepare boxes which are to be received into housings,
or plummer-blocks, in the ordinary way of forming such
boxes, making them of any kind of metal, or metallic
compound, which has sufficient strength, and which is
capable of being tinned. The inner parts of these boxes
are to be lined with any of the harder kinds of compo-
sition, known under the name of Britannia metal, or pew-
ter, of which block-tin is the basis. An excellent com-
pound for this purpose, I have prepared, by taking about
fifty parts of tin, five of antimony, and one of copper:
but 1 do not intend to confine myself to this particular
composition. To prepare the boxes for the reception of
this composition, I cast them with projecting rims along
their interior edges and on their ends, within the semi-
cylindrical part, which is to receive the axle or gudgeon.
I then tin the inner surface of said boxes, and the ledges
or rims above named, in order to cause the metallic com-
position, with which they are to be lined or cased, to ad-
here to them.
Tig. 1, in the accompanying drawing, is a perspective
view of one of these boxes ; fig. 2, is a cross ; and fig. 3,
a longitudinal section through it. a a, in figs. 1 and 3,
are the ledges or rims along the edges ; and b b, those
around the ends of said box. The use of these is to hold
the metallic lining firmly in its place, and prevent its
spreading. The lining may be used, however, without
such ledges or rims.
In finishing one of these boxes, I proceed in the following-
manner :
I coat the inside, including the rims, with tin, in the
well-known manner of performing that operation. I then
take a cylindrical, or semi-cylindrical former, of the exact
size in its cylindrical parts, of the gudgeon or axle which
is to run within it. And upon this axle, gudgeon, or
former, I place my box in such manner as that the axis
of the axle or gudgeon, and of the curvature of the box,
shall coincide, my box being of such size as that, when so
placed, the projecting rims or ledges, shall not touch, but
shall be nearly in contact with the gudgeon, or axle, say
within the distance of from a sixteenth to a thirty-second
part of an inch, more or less. I then close these spaces-
by any suitable means, and it is then prepared to receive
9
the lining of composition metal, which is to be melted and
poured in. For the purpose of pouring it in, there is a
hole, c, left through the middle of the box, which, in
those for railroads, may be an inch in diameter, and will,
in all cases, be proportioned to the size of the box. The
metal thus poured in, will take to the tinned surface of
the interior of the box, and the surrounding rims or ledges,
and will cover the edges of the latter, so as to prevent
contact between them and the axles or gudgeons which
they are to receive, whilst the ledges will effectually
check any tendency in the metal to spread, from the
weight and friction of the load. When the ledges are
not used, the coating of composition metal should be but
thin.
Having thus fully described the nature of my im-
provement, and shown the manner in which I carry the
same into operation, what I claim as my invention, and
desire to secure by Letters Patent, is the making of the
boxes for axles and gudgeons, in the manner above set
forth, that is so say : by the casting of hard pewter, or
composition metal, of which tin is the basis, into said
boxes, they being first prepared and provided, [er net,]
with rims or ledges, and coated with tin, as herein de-
scribed and made known.
ISAAC BABBITT.
THOS. P. JONES, > mtmsses
LINTON THORN, 5
10
This Schedule contains a description of improvements
annexed and added to Letters Patent granted to Isaac
Babbitt, bearing date the seventeenth day of July,
eighteen hundred and thirty-nine, and making part of
the same.
Be it known, that I, Isaac Babbitt, of Boston, in the
State of Massachusetts, have made the following improve,
ments in the "mode of making Boxes for Axles % and
Gudgeons ; " for which boxes I obtained Letters Patent
of the United States, dated the 17th day of July, 1839 ;
and the improvements herein made known, are to be
added to said Letters Patent, and to make a part thereof.
And I hereby declare, that the following is a full and ex-
act description of my said improvements.
In the accompanying drawing, fig. 4 is a perspective
representation of one of my boxes, similar to that shown
in fig. 1 in the drawing attached to the original patent ;
but with an improvement thereon.
Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section of the said improved box.
corresponding with fig. 3 in the original drawing ; in each
of these figures, a a are the ledges or rims along the
edges, and b b, those around the ends, for confining the
metallic lining in place, and preventing its spreading,
as in the original boxes ; c c, is the hole for pouring in
the metallic lining.
The improvement in this and similar boxes, consists in
the providing or forming a rebate or recess, at the ends
Fig. 5.
]:;
•of such boxes, within which rebate, the composition
metal, of the nature set forth in my original specification,
is to be received, and by which it is to be confined,
for the purpose of sustaining the end bearings of the
shoulders of axles, or gudgeons, or of such other parts of
the machinery which may run against them, or against
which they may run, or bear. These rebates, or recesses,
are shown at d d, outside of the ledges b b, around the
ends of the boxes ; and these are to be filled with the metal-
lic composition, in the same operation in which the parts
within the ledges a a and b b are filled.
This metallic lining, confined by rims or ledges, is not
only applicable to boxes for axles or gudgeons, and for the
journals of machinery in general, where boxes are divid-
ed, so as to form semi-cylinders, but it is equally applicable
to boxes, or sockets, which are not divided, but form a
continuous circle, or a socket which is square, or of any
other form, and within which a rod or bar is to slide, as
for example : for the guides of locomotives, and other en-
gines ; and it will also serve, perfectly well, as a metallic
packing around the rods, or stems of valves, and of other
parts of engines similarly employed ; the same having
been so used by me, and with perfect success.
Fig. 6 is a section through the socket or bushing of
a pulley, or sheave, to be used in blocks on board of
vessels, or elsewhere ; c c are the ledges which are to con-
fine the metallic lining represented by the solid lines//';
the projecting parts, g g, are the flanches of the bushing,
which are to ]je let into the sheave, in the usual way.
14
The casting of the metal into the interior of these sockets,
or bushes, or into the sockets of slides, will he effected in
the same way as in other boxes or sockets. By the use
of this metallic lining, and the employment of hard com-
position metal of copper and tin, or of analagous compounds,
such as are commonly used for the casting of boxes, to
form the pins, bolts, or gudgeons, upon which the sheaves
are to run, in lieu of pins or gudgeons of iron ; the inju-
rious consequences frequently resulting from the oxidation
of the iron, are obviated, such sheaves always turning freely
upon their pins or gudgeons, whilst it not unfrequently
happens that they are set fast, or greatly obstructed by
oxidation, when iron is used.
Where guide rods, or stems of valves, floats, or other
rods or stems, are to slide endwise, the principle of con-
struction and of operation will* not be thereby changed ;
the lining, and the ledges to confine it, being similarly
employed, and the advantages derived will be the same in
a sliding, as in a revolving motion.
Having thus fully described the nature of my additional
improvements, and having also furnished various exempli-
fications of the manner in which, and the purposes for
which, they may be used : what I now claim, in addition
to my former claims, is the making or forming of recesses
or rebates, in the manner set forth, in the ends of the
boxes or sockets, for axles or gudgeons ; which rebates or
recesses are to be filled with the composition metal which
constitutes the lining of said boxes, so as to form end
bearings of that material. I also claim the employment
15
of boxes, or sockets thus prepared, with such ledges and
lining, whether used for a sliding motion, as in the
guides of steam engines, or in the packing of rods or
stems, instead of the ordinary elastic packing ; or in any
way, or for any other purpose, which is substantially the
same.
ISAAC BABBITT.
THOS. P. JONES, } xsrv
B. K. MOESELL, Wttne88e8'
I hereby certify the foregoing additional Sched-
ule has, this fourth day of September, one thousand eight
hundred and forty, been duly annexed to the original
patent of Isaac Babbitt, and that the same is duly re-
corded on the books of the Patent Office, and that fifteen
dollars, the duty by law required, has been paid into the'
Treasury of the United States.
H. L. Ellsworth,
Commissioner of Patents^
Whereas, upon the petition of Isaac Babbitt, of Pox-
bury, Massachusetts, for an extension of the within
patent, granted on the 17th day of July, 1839, the under-
signed, Commissioner of Patents, in accordance with the
18th Section of the Act of Congress, approved the 4th
day of July, 1846, entitled "An Act to promote the pro-
16
gress of tlie useful arts, and to repeal all Acts heretofore
made for that purpose," and the Act approved the 27th
day of May, 1848, entitled "An Act to provide ad-
ditional examiners in the Patent Office, and for other
purposes," did, on the 8th day of July, 1853, certify that
the said Patent ought to be extended.
Now, therefore, I, Charles Mason, Commissioner of Pa-
tents, "by virtue of the power vested in me "by said Acts
of Congress, do renew and extend said Patent, and certify
that the same is hereby extended for the term of seven
years, from and after the expiration of the first term,
viz. the 17th day of July, 1853 ; which certificate being
duly entered of record in the Patent Office, the said Pa-
tent has now the same effect in law, as though the same
had been originally granted for the term of twenty-one
years.
In testimony whereof, I have caused the seal of the
Patent Office to be hereunto affixed, the 8th day of July.
1853, and of the Independence of the United States, the
seventy-eighth.
CHAS. MASON,
■%
Commissioner of Patents.
<m >®
9{SEAL.^
17
EXTRACTS FROM THE PETITION OF MR. BABBITT,
FOR THE EXTENSION OF HIS PATENT.
To the Honorable Commissioner of Patents, at the Uni-
ted States Patent Office, Washington, D. C.
Respectfully represents Isaac Babbitt, of Roxbury.
Massachusetts : —
That he is the first, original, and true inventor and Pa-
tentee of the " Improved mode of making Boxes for Axles
and Gudgeons ; " for which Letters Patent were issued to
him, dated the 17th day of July, A. D. 1839, with the
additions thereto annexed, dated the 4th day of Septem-
ber, A. D. 1840.
And that he is desirous of procuring an extension of
his said Patent, beyond the term of its limitation, for and
during the period allowed by law.
And he says that he believes that he was the first per-
son in this country who succeeded, untaught, and by his
own unaided efforts, in combining the materials for, and
in manufacturing, Britannia Ware of the best quality
and highest finish ; and that he was, as he believes, the
originator and founder of the successful making and
manufacturing of the best kinds of Britannia ware in the
United States.
And he further says, that subsequently thereto, he was-
also, as he believes, the first person in this country who
2*
18
succeeded in tinning cast iron hollow ware, successfully
and perfectly; and that for his Britannia ware, and
tinned cast iron hollow ware, he obtained various prizes.
And he further says, that subsequently thereto, he was
also, as he believes, the first person in this country who
succeeded in making and rolling sheet zinc, and zinc foil,
of a perfect kind and uniform quality.
And he further says, that subsequently thereto, he was
also, as he believes, the first person in this country who
succeeded in the perfect casting of brass cannon; and
that he cast a large number of such cannon for the United
States Government.
And he says, that he arrived at his knowledge and
success in these matters, only after long and laborious
study and experiment, and great expenditure of time and
money. And that his attainments and skill rendered his
services, as a scientific and practical worker in metals, of
great value, and brought them into high demand, so that
he could readily command the highest prices for his skill
and labor.
And he says, that he mentions these facts, not as bear-
ing upon his present petition, except as they show his
knowledge and skill, and as furnishing conclusive reasons
for the correctness of the estimate of the value of his time
and services as a workman, for himself and others.
And the said Isaac Babbitt says, that while he was
engaged in the casting of brass cannon for the govern-
ment, about the year I836r he conceived the idea of using
metallic boxes lined with some composition metal of softer
19
material, for the bearings of axles and gudgeons, where
any considerable wear or strain was necessary to be ap-
plied.
That for the bearings of machinery, locomotives, and
ear axles, and cranks, crank-shafts, and crank-pins of
steamboats and engines, it had been customary to use
brass or gun metal, as the material upon, and in which,
axles, gudgeens, and pins revolved; but that the same
were so constantly liable to heat and abrasion, as to occa-
sion infinite trouble and expense, to say nothing of unre-
mitting care and anxiet3T. In fact, so great was the un-
certainty and trouble, that in very many instances it was
impossible to rely upon the workings of steam vessels and
locomotives.
That, fully aware of these difficulties, and with the de-
sire of obviating them, having conceived the idea of using
a softer composition metal as a lining to boxes, upon?
around, and in which, the axles, gudgeons, pins, and con-
necting-rods might revolve and move, he set about making
experiments, and continued them till the year 1839, when
he so far perfected his invention, as to apply it to actual
practical use, and to secure a patent therefor ; which pa-
tent was issued July 17th, A. D. 1839, as aforsaid; to
which additions were subsequently made, September 4th,
A. D. 1840, and an extension of which he now seeks.
And he says, that immediately before, at, and ever
since the granting of said Letters Patent, he devoted him-
self exclusively to the subject matter of said patent, and
the introduction thereof into general use.
20
And he says, that it was for a long time impossible to
convince even practical machinists and engineers of the
possibility, and especially of the practicability, of using
softer metals for the bearings of machinery where any
considerable strain or power was to be experienced or ap-
plied ; that the idea that the use of a softer metal would
occasion less heat, and diminish friction and abrasion,
and consequently trouble and expense, seemed to most,
an absurdity. And that it was only after long and great
labor, and with the most persevering exertion, that he
could so far overcome prejudice as to introduce the use of
his softer metallic linings for boxes, for axles and gudg-
eons, to any considerable extent.
And he says, that his object being practically to de-
monstrate the use of his metallic boxes, and to introduce
them into practical use, he procured a shop to be built,
and went to work manufacturing boxes of different kinds
for different machinery. That he went to great expense
of time, and labor, and money, to render his work perfect
in quality and material, and perfectly adapted to the uses
to which it was to be applied. That of the work so made
by him he gave away a very great part to railroads, man-
ufactories, and others, for the purpose of inducing them
to test the material and its qualities ; and that he was
obliged to travel about, at great loss of time and at great
expense, for the purpose of introducing his invention, and
of inducing persons, corporations, and companies to give
it a practical trial.
And he says, that he believes the said invention, and
21
the idea thereof, and the practical application thereof, to
have been entirely novel and original with himself, and
that its novelty and nature was such that users and pur-
chasers were to he sought out and solicited with care and
importunity ; although when once used, it could not, and
did not, fail to commend itself to their unqualified
approbation.
And he says, that the saving of from fifty to seventy-
five per cent, in the single article of oil, and the gain of
seventy-five to a hundred per cent, in the number of
miles run without repairs, in the running of locomotive
engines, may, perhaps, sufficiently demonstrate the useful-
ness, as well as the value and importance, of this inven-
tion, to the public ; but when this advantage, to say no-
thing of others, comes to be applied to all machinery, and
to all bearings where there is strain and wear, the utility,
as well as the value and importance of the invention,
would seem to be well nigh incalculable. Such, indeed..
is its usefulness and value, that in the belief of said
Babbitt, if it were now blotted out of existence, millions
of money alone could not replace it or atone for it. And
he verily believes, that without it no locomotive of any
power, and no steamship, could be relied upon with any
certainty, even for a short period of time.
And he begs leave to refer to printed copy of American
and English reports and certificates concerning his pa-
tent boxes, accompanying this petition, as containing, as
he believes, true and reliable statements, worthy the con-
sideration of the Commissioner.
22
And lie says, that in the outset he put the price of his
work at a very low rate, as an inducement to persons to
purchase the same, and that very soon afterwards the price
of the main ingredient of his composition largely ad-
vanced ; but that having once fixed his price for work, he
could not well vary it, especially as he was anxious to in-
duce persons to become purchasers, and to employ him ;
and his invention being unknown, he was compelled to
solicit notice, instead of waiting to be solicited.
And he says, that he was frequently obliged to get up
patterns and castings, at large expense, and then to make
work at a large sacrifice, that he might produce and take
the work, ready for use, to the several railroads and man-
ufactories, to induce, by gift, or sale at small price, the
trial of the invention.
And he says, that after a time he found it necessary to
keep in his employment a number of men more than he
had work for steadily, because he occasionally would have
an order for work of some magnitude, and it was neces-
sary to have the workmen on hand in readiness to execute
it promptly, although, for a large portion of the time, they
could not be employed to advantage or profit. And, be-
sides, whenever any order was obtained for work, he felt
obliged to keep his workmen in pay and readiness, under
the constant hope and expectation that business would
increase, and command all their time.
And the said Babbitt says, that he was induced to
incur these expenses with the hope and expectation that.
as he knew his invention to be eminently useful and of
23
great value, others would, in this way, become informed
thereof, and acquainted therewith, and that after he had
made and introduced it into actual practical use himself,
he should eventually realize from the patent itself, and
the sale of licenses thereunder, rather than from the work
which he might manufacture.
And he says, that he was greatly desirous that his
invention should he fully and fairly examined, and prac-
tically tested, and that the work to he tried should be of
the best and most perfect quality ; and that he labored,
and travelled, and expended large sums, with the full
knowledge that his said invention would stand any test,
however rigorous, and that it was only by constant and
persevering personal exertions and gratuitous gifts, that
he could so bring it to the practical knowledge of those
who would be most benefitted by it, as to overcome preju-
dices against it, and cause it to come into general use.
And he says, that he made and gave away very large
amounts of work, not only to individuals, companies, and
corporations, but that he made and gave away work, to a
considerable extent, to the navy yards of government, at
Charlestown and at Washington ; and that he also sent
out large quantities of metal, and samples of work, to
various places, and in various ways, at his own cost.
And he says, that in the year 1842 he took means to
introduce it the government of the United States, with
the hope of inducing government to purchase of him the
right to use his invention in and about their machinery
and mechanical operations.
24
And he says, that at or about that time, the United
States steamers Mississippi and Princeton were building,
or had just been built, and that it was found impossible
to make them operate with any satisfaction without the
use of his invention. And that, although the former ves-
sel was completed without, she was, as he is informed and
believes, subsequently brought to Boston, and had her
main deck taken up for the purpose of putting in his
patent boxes for her main shaft ; while, as he is also
informed and believes, the constructor of the latter vessel
would not suffer her to be completed, unless this said
patent invention could be used therein.
And he says, that after considerable exertion and great
expense on his part, the government of the United States
was authorized by Congress to make with him a contract
for the right to manufacture and use his invention wher-
ever they might wish ; which authority was exercised by
the Secretary of the Navy, in September, A. D., 18-12,
and in the spring of 1843, the sum of $20,000, was paid
to said Babbitt, by the United States, for their right to
make and use his said patent. And he begs leave to refer
to printed copy of the report made in the Senate, in April,
1842, with the documents therein referred to, contained
in the Book of American and English Reports, accompany-
ing this petition.
And the said Babbitt says, that at this time he had
expended all his means, including not only all that he had
invested in his business originally, but also all that he
had received, as well from his patent, and the sale of
25
licenses to use the same, and from his workshop and
foundry, as from any and all other sources ; and that he
was moreover largely in debt, so much so, in fact, that-
had it not "been for this contract made with the govern-
ment, and the money received therefrom, he would have
been compelled to cease operations entirely, and become
openly insolvent,
And the said Babbitt says, that he continued his work-
shop and foundry, enlarging the same somewhat materially
up to the fall of 1846, being continually and unremit-
tingly engaged in labors and experiments, for the purpose
of perfecting his invention, so that it should be presented
in the most simple, perfect, and reliable form, and should
afford to the public the utmost utility ; and that mean-
time he was using every effort, by personal exertion and
otherwise, to introduce it into general use.
And he says, that in order to perfect his said inven-
tion, or rather as an inducement to others to purchase and
use it in its perfected form, he found it necessary to make
many experiments regarding the best proportions and the
best mode of combining the several ingredients necessary
to make the composition metal with which he lined his
boxes ; and that he did this at great labor, and expense,
and care, that he might the more readily instruct others in
the use of his invention, and that it might in no degree fail
of its utility through their ignorance or unskilfulness.
And he says, that among other things, and in connec-
tion with his applications to railroads, he expended large
sums in putting up and in fitting up a cupola furnace, for
3
the purpose of getting up jaws and pedestals for railroad
ears, in order that, by perfecting and adapting the inmie-
diate adjuncts, he might further perfect his invention,
and so bring it more favorably before the public, and more
extensively into use.
And he says, that he went to great expense and trouble
in attempting to adapt and introduce his invention to the
running part of carriages for common roads ; and that in
order to accomplish that, he was obliged not only to make
boxes for the carriage axles, but also to make axles them-
selves, fitted and adapted to his boxes, so that the whole
thing, with its adjuncts, might be perfect, and not in any
respect fail by reason of the ignorance or want of skill of
others who might make boxes and axles ill-fitted and
adapted to each other, and ill-constructed for the purposes
desired. That his object was to present a thing not only
useful and valuable, but to present it in the most perfectly
useful manner for practical operation, especially as he had
known many a good thing to fail of success through want
of sufficient care and skill in the first experimental trials.
That he spent more upon this matter than he otherwise
would have done, because he well believed that the inven-
tion was, in fact, so useful and valuable for the purposes
of application to common carriages, that if he could once
succeed in introducing it into use among carriage makers,
it would come into general demand, and would thus be-
come to him a source of great profit. And he says, that
although his opinion of the utility and value of the in-
vention, as so applied, did not change, he found that in-
27
asmucli as there was no such pressing necessity of its use
for that purpose, as there was in the case of railroad cars
and heavy machinery, he should be disappointed in the
demand which he anticipated, and would only add to his
losses, already heavy, by continuing the manufactory of
carriage work, especially as it would require more time,
travel, and expense, to introduce it further to the per-
sonal notice of carriage makers, than he could afford to
spare.
And he says, that his foundry and workshop, up to the
fall of 1846, aforesaid, when he abandoned them, were a
source of expense and loss. But he says that he kept up
the said foundry and workshop, and continued at work
with the hope and confident expectation that his invention
once introduced and known, he should then begin to reap
his reward.
And he says, that throughout all this time he found it
necessary, to a greater or less extent, to make and give
away work, or to sell it at small prices, and to make great
personal exertions to bring his invention into notice and
use.
And he says, that in 1844 and 1845 he was engaged in
an expensive suit at law against the Buffalo Steam En-
gine Company, which was finally tried at Canandaigua, in
the State of New York. That his expenses in carrying
on the suit, and in preparing for trial, and trying the
same, were very large and heavy. That the suit termi-
nated in his favor, the jury returning a verdict for him of
forty-five hundred dollars ; but that at the intercession of
28
some of his own witnesses and friends, and with the ad-
vice of counsel, as he wished rather to sustain his patent
than to recover damages, he was induced to settle with
said Company, upon their paying a small amount.
And he begs leave to refer to the copies of letters and
correspondence regarding said suit, annexed to this peti-
tion ; as also to a printed report of a trial in England,
where his patent was triumphantly sustained, which he
begs to submit for consideration.
And he says, that another suit was commenced against
the Buffalo and Attica Railroad Company ; but that the
said Company settled the same without a trial.
And he says, that one other suit was commenced against
the Boston Mill Dam Company ; but the same was by
them compromised and settled without a trial.
And he says, that late in the fall of 1846 he aban-
doned his manufactory ; but that he continued as dili-
gent as he could well be in pushing his said invention,
and in securing to himself a remuneration therefor ; but
that as the period of his patent drew near its close, he
did not feel authorized to risk the little he had acquired ;
and besides that, during the last two or three years, his
bodily health has been more infirm, and he has felt un-
able to enter into any controversies that might arise re-
garding his rights, and to urge the payment of what is
actually his due, or to go far to urge the adoption or sale
of his patent, or of any rights or licenses thereunder.
And he says, that the idea of procuring an extension
of his said patent is only recently entertained. TLat he
29
so well knew the inestimable value and usefulness thereof,
and he may say, the absolute necessity of the invention to
machinery life, that he hoped he should reap a fair reward
for what he had so well done ; but he had been grievously
disappointed.
And he says, that he cannot hesitate to affirm, with
the utmost positiveness, that all the remuneratien he has
received from his said patent, is totally inadequate to the
great usefulness, value, and importance of his invention
to the public, although he has used his best endeavors to
bring it into general use, and to derive a sufficient remu-
neration therefrom.
AFFIDAVITS
AFFIDAVIT OF WILLIAM RAYMOND LEE,
Late Superintendent of the Boston and Providence Rail-
road, and President of Vermont Central, Rutland
and Burlington, and Ogdensburg Railroads.
I, William Raymond Lee, of Boston, in the State of
Massachusetts, on oath, depose and say, — That I am a
Civil Engineer 'by profession, and have been, and am still,
Superintendent of the "Boston and Providence Railroad,
which appointment I have held since July 1st, A. D. 1835.
That I am well acquainted with Mr. Isaac Babbitt, in-
ventor and patentee of "an improved mode of making
Boxes for Axles and Gudgeons," and have been so during
the last thirteen or fourteen years. That I know him as
a man well versed in practical chemistry, and very expert
as a worker in metals. That I have often visited his shop,
and have personal knowledge that he has applied himself
with great industry and success in the pursuit and appli-
cation of the principles of science to useful ends and pur-
poses, and the advancement of the useful arts.
It is within my knowledge, that his labors have result-
ed in practical results, particularly beneficial to the econ-
31
oniy of working machinery, especially in the department
of locomotive, marine, and stationary steam-engines, by
the successful application of soft metal in the construc-
tion of bearings, usually called boxes for Axles and Gudg-
eons. About the year 1840, Mr. Babbitt called my atten-
tion to his improved mode of constructing these essential
appendages to rotating machinery, and after a careful con-
sideration of the principles under which he claimed to
act, I was so well satisfied with the utility, value, and
importance of the invention, that I determined to give
him an opportunity, on the Boston and Providence Bail-
road, to test practically its value. I accordingly did so,
and had locomotives and cars fitted up with his improve-
ment, under his own direction, he having prepared the
boxes, and also the metal, with which the cells were to be
fitted. The result was so entirely satisfactory and con-
clusive, as to the merit of his improvement, both in rela-
tion to economy in the reduction of friction, and obviating
the heating of the parts in contact, that I at once pur-
chased a right of construction and use from him, on behalf
of the Boston and Providence Railroad. The application
of his improvement was extended to all the machinery
upon the road, with as little delay as possible, and indeed,
much new work of the old description was removed to
give place to Mr. Babbitt's improvement. From that day
to the present hour, we have continued its use with unin-
terrupted success, and as I fully believe, greatly to the
advantage of the Corporation in a pecuniary view.
This improvement, like all other innovations upon exist-
32
ing usages, met with the usual opposition and prejudices,
presenting obstacles to a due award of praise and profit
to its inventor, "but it has at this time forced itself into
public favor by its intrinsic merits, by means of the great
diligence and perseverance of Mr. Babbitt, and the inter-
est and aid of some of his friends who have taken an inter-
est in such matters, as well as in his personal efforts. Mr.
Babbitt's charges for the use of his invention to railroads
were very moderate, and whatever his receipts may have
been, I have reasons to believe that they were greatly
exhausted in his anxious efforts to perfect and introduce
his improvement into general use, and in experimenting
upon the best means of operating.
From my knowledge of Mr. Babbitt's scientific attain-
ments in the branches of knowledge to which I have al-
luded, and his indefatigable industry in pursuing experi-
ments to determine results, the value of his time and
services to any large establishment engaged in the manu-
facture and application of metals, chemicals, or composi-
tions adapted to the useful arts, would be invaluable, and
would readily command a high compensation, certainly not
less than three thousand dollars per year. I should have
added, that the application of his improvement in making
Boxes for Axles and Gudgeons, resulted, as indicated by
experiments made by myself, in a saving of about fifty
per cent compared with the method for which it was a
substitute ; and I am fully of opinion that Mr. Babbitt
richly deserves an adequate compensation for the use of
his improvement, by its application to railroad, and other
Of)
machinery, which shall come into existence and use,
after the expiration of his present letters patent.
[Signed,] WM. RAYMOND LEE.
State of Massachusetts.
Suffolk, ss. April 20th, 1853.
Sworn to before me, C. Demond,
Justice of the Peace.
AFFIDAVIT OF GEORGE S. GRIGGS,
Principal Machinist of the Boston and Providence RaiL
road.
I, George S. Griggs, of Boston, Massachusetts, on oath
declare and say, — That I am a practical machinist, and
have been for many years engaged in the construction of
locomotive engines and machinery. I am the principal
machinist of the Boston and Providence Railroad Company,
and have been acting in that capacity, since the year
eighteen hundred and thirty-five, during which time I have
built a large number of engines for said road, and have
become thoroughly and practically acquainted with the
running of locomotives and cars, and the several means
and appliances connected therewith, as well as of other
stationary machinery.
I know Isaac Babbitt, the inventor of "an improved
mode of making Boxes for Axles and Gudgeons," and
34
have known him ever since he obtained a patent therefor.
He is a man of great practical skill, and scientific know-
ledge as a worker in metals, as well as a man of great
energy and perseverance, and of unimpeachable integrity
and truthfulness. I am well acquainted with the practical
effects of his invention, and of its uses as applied to mov-
ing and stationary machinery, and can certify to its value
and importance. Before Mr. Babbitt's invention, great
and constant difficulties and embarrassments were found
attendant upon the running of locomotive and marine
engines, and, indeed, of all machinery, where there was
any considerable degree of strain or power, and wherever
a high rate of speed was desired. This was owing to
the constant heating and abrasion of the axles, gudgeons,
crank-shafts, and pins, and connecting-rods, which was so
constant and so great, as to render the operations of the
machinery uncertain and unreliable, and to subject it to
frequent accident, and more frequent repairs. The amount
of lubricating material was also necessarily very great,
and the wear and tear rapid and expensive.
Aside from the actual expense of repairs, and of the
various projects resorted to to prevent heating and friction,
the capacity of machinery was much limited, and the
anxiety and constant care requisite to keep it in proper
order, was a source of very great trouble.
Mr. Babbitt's invention at once met and overcame, in a
great measure, the above mentioned objections. It greatly
diminished the friction of the running parts of machinery
where it was applied. It effectually prevented the heating
and abrasion of the parts, and occasioned a very large
saving in lubrication and repairs, while it gave regularity
and certainty to the operations of engines and machinery,
and furnished infinite relief to the anxiety and care of
the engineer and machinist. By means of this invention,
the capacity of machinery was greatly increased, and not
only would such machinery accomplish more by being
enabled to expand upon the load, or the thing to be accom-
plished, a large portion of the power that had been pre-
viously used to overcome the friction, but it was enabled
to move with vastly more rapidity, and certainty, and
safety.
The value of the invention cannot be computed. The
mere saving in expense, as connected with the means of
lubrication and of repairs, is immense. I do not see how
engines and machinery of magnitude, and high rates of
speed, could now be run without it, or something equiva-
lent to it. It has come to be well nigh, if not quite, a
necessity in mechanics.
I know somewhat of Mr. Babbitt's efforts and labors
to introduce his said invention into use. It was a long
time before he could overcome the prejudices of even prac-
tical mechanics, and he often times finally succeeded in so
doing, only by stealthily introducing his invention into
actual use, and then pointing to its triumphant action.
His efforts and exertions were incessant, and he was
obliged to establish a manufactory, and himself make
boxes, lined with soft metal and finished for use, and
then give them, in many instances, away, before he could
36
persuade those actually most interested in the result, of
the great practical utility of the invention. His difficul-
ties and discouragements were great, and such as would
have overborne a man of less activity and perseverance.
I do not believe Mr. Babbitt has ever realized a remu-
neration at all adequate to the vast value, utility, and
importance of his invention, although I believe that he
has exercised all due diligence, effort, and care, to secure
to himself a proper reward.
Mr. Babbitt's scientific knowledge and practical skill,
would have entitled him to large compensation for his
time and services during the last fourteen years. I think
he might have readily commanded from two thousand to
twenty-five hundred dollars a year, during that time.
His invention should entitle him to a fortune, and that
he has not realized from it a sum at all adequate to its
value and importance, has been from no fault of his.
Were the invention totally lost, millions of money might
well be spent in restoring it, if it could not be otherwise
obtained. Two hundred thousand dollars would be no
more than a fair remuneration to its inventor, in my
judgment. I have no interest in the patent, nor do I ex-
pect to have.
[Signed,] GEOEGE S. GBIGGS.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Suffolk, ss. April 18th, 1S53.
Sworn to before me,
•Joel P. Bishop,
Justice of the Peace.
37
AFFIDAVIT OF CHABLES G. GKEENE, Esq.
Editor of the Boston Post, and Naval Officer of the
Port of Boston.
I, Charles G. Greene, of Boston, Massachusetts, Editor
of the Boston Post, on oath depose and say, — That I have
known Mr. Isaac Babbitt, Patentee and inventor of "an
improved mode of making Boxes for Axles and Gudgeons,"
for many years. He is a man of great industry, skill, and
integrity, and his statements may at all times be fully
relied upon. His ability as a scientific and practical
worker in metals, is undoubted, and his time and services
in that behalf, would readily command the highest prices.
His inventive genius and perseverance are very great.
From the knowledge I have of Mr. Babbitt's invention, I
believe it to be one of vast utility and value to the public,
and in the running of all heavy machinery, and in all
■cases where great speed, combined with safety, is sought
for, it has come to be a necessary concomitant. It is
believed to be invaluable in preventing the heating and
wearing of the running parts of machinery, axles, gudg-
eons, connecting-rods and crank-pins, and in saving of ex-
pense in the matter of repairs and lubricating materials.
As a means of promoting the safety of the lives and
limbs of passengers, in rail-cars, and steam-vessels, and
reliability of the operations of steam machinery, it is of
the highest importance. I believe Mr. Babbitt to have
used all due diligence to bring his invention into general
notice and use ; and to obtain a suitable reward therefor.
4
38
Considering the value, usefulness, and importance of the
invention, according to the knowledge I have, I am of the
opinion that Mr. Babbitt has by no means realized a re-
muneration adequate thereto. The patent, in my judg-
ment, is one eminently worthy of being extended, and
Mr. Babbitt is a man as eminently worthy of receiving
the extension.
[Signed,] CHABLES G. GREENE.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Suffolk, ss. March 29th, 1853.
Sworn to before me, A. B. Ely,
Justice of the Peace.
AFFIDAVIT OE HON. BUEUS CHOATE,
Of Boston.
I, Bufus Choate, of Boston, Massachusetts, Esquire, on
oath depose and say, — That I know Isaac Babbitt, the
Patentee of ''an improved mode of making Boxes for
Axles and Gudgeons," and have known him for several
years. He is a man of great skill as a practical and
scientific worker in metalsj and of great industry, and
unimpeachable integrity, and any statements made by
him, may be fully relied upon as true.
39
I was on the committee on Naval Affairs, in the United
States Senate, in 1842, to whom was referred the matter
of authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to purchase for
the government, the right to use for government purposes,
Mr. Babbitt's patent, and presented the report of said
committee. I believe that the printed copy of the said
report, with the documents and letters therein referred
to, contained in a little book, entitled " American and
English Reports, Eeferences, and Certificates, concerning
the Patent Box, lined with soft metal, invented by Isaac
Babbitt, printed for the patentee, Boston, Oakes & Solo-
mons, Stationers, 20 State Street, 1848," which I am
informed is to be submitted with said Babbitt's petition,
for an extension of his said Patent, is a true copy of said
report, and documents, and letters.
From my examination of the subject, I believe the in-
vention is one of very great value, utility, and importance
to the public ; that, in fact, it is now a necessary thing in
all machinery of any magnitude or power. I would re-
spectfully refer to the above mentioned reports relating to
this thing.
Mr. Babbitt has used great diligence and effort to
bring his invention into general use, and to secure to him-
self a remuneration therefor ; but he has labored under dis-
advantages, during a great part of the time, which have
prevented him, as I fully believe, from realizing a remu-
neration at all adequate to the vast usefulness, value, and
importance of the invention, to the advancement of me-
chanical facilities, and the mechanic arts. In my judg-
40
inent, an extension is due to Mr. Babbitt upon every prior
ciple of law and justice.
[Signed,] KUEUS CHOATE.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Suffolk, ss. April 1st, 1853.
Sworn to before me, A. B. Ely,
Justice of the Peace,
AEEIDAVIT OF NOAH BUTTS,
Engineer of Charlestown Navy Yard.
I, Noah Butts, of Charlestown, in the State of Massa-
chusetts, on oath depose and say, — That I am Engineer of
the Navy Yard of the United States, at Charlestown
aforesaid, and I have the care of all the engines in said
yard. I have been connected with said yard, and the
care of said engines, for about twenty years. I know Mi\
Isaac Babbitt, inventor and patentee of "an improved
mode of making Boxes for Axles and Gudgeons," and I
have known him for many years. He is a man of great
skill and knowledge as a practical and scientific worker in
metals, and of great industry and integrity. In my opin-
ion, he could have commanded the highest salary and prices
for his time and services during the last fourteen years.
Any statement made by him, may be fully relied upon as
true.
41
I am well acquainted with the said invention of Mr.
Babbitt, and the practical working and importance there-
of. I consider it to be of really incalculable value, and
one which could hardly be dispensed with by machinists
and engineers. It occasions a very great saving in wear
and tear, and in the use of lubricating materials, and
prevents the heating and abrasion of the journals, axles,
and crank-pins.
I was at the said Navy Yard, at the time when the
United States Steam Frigate Mississippi was first brought
hither, and know the fact that her main shafts were lifted
for the purpose of putting in Mr. Babbitt's invention.
Before said invention was applied to said steam frigate,
great complaints were made of the workings of her ma-
chinery, and the uncertainty of her operations, so that
it was found necessary to adopt said invention of said
Babbitt, in connection with said machinery. Since said
invention was applied to said steamer, I have heard no
complaints made. Wherever there is much wear or strain,
or wherever a high rate of speed is required in steam
engines or machinery, I am persuaded that the invention
of Mr. Babbitt has become to be almost, if not quite, a
necessity.
Mr. Babbitt, I believe, used very great diligence, and
pains, and care, to introduce his said invention into gen-
eral use, and to bring it into notice, and for a long time
labored under great discouragements and disadvantages
in so doing. The success which he had, was owing to his
great perseverance and constant exertions. I could not
40
42
well estimate what would be an adequate remuneration
for such an invention ; but I believe that Mr. Babbitt has
used all due diligence in his efforts to acquire such re-
muneration, and for an invention of such incalculable util-
ity, value, and importance, he is entitled to the highest
possible reward. I believe his remuneration to have been
such, and so small, as will fairly and justly entitle him to
an extension of his patent aforesaid, and in my judgment,
he is every way worthy of such extension. I have no
interest in said patent, otherwise than that I should not
be willing to do without the right to use it in the engines
under my care, where we have used it these years.
[Signed,] NOAH BUTTS.
State of Massachusetts.
Suffolk, ss. April 11th, 1853.
Sworn to before me, A. B..Ely,
Justice of the Peace.
fflje Hnitcb States patent ©ffice.
To all 'persons to whom these presents shall come, Greeting ;■
This is to certify, that the annexed are true copies
from the Files of this Office.
In testimony whereof, I, Charles Mason, Commissioner
of Patents, have caused the seal of the Patent Office to
"be hereunto affixed, this sixteenth day of September, in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
fifty-three, and of the Independence of the United States
the seventy-eighth,
Sj s e a l . » CHARLES MASOK.
AFFIDAVIT OF GEORGE DARRACOTT,
Late Agent and Engineer of the Boston Gas Light
Company.
I, George Darracott, of Boston, in the State of Mass-
achusetts, on oath declare and say, — That I have been
for many years, and until recently, the agent and engineer
of the Boston Gas Light Company. That I was educated
as a mechanician, and am well acquainted with machi-
u
nery, both as regards its scientific principles, and its
modes of operation.
It is well known to every one who is acquainted with
the history of the progress of machinery, that wherever
the parts of a machine are very heavy, or where there is
much wear and strain, and especially if the motions be
rapid, it has been found exceedingly difficult, if not im-
possible, to discover and apply any kind of lubrication to
the bearings, so as to prevent excessive friction, heating,
and abrasion of the parts, thereby causing injury, delay,
expense, and anxiety.
It has long been considered a disiratum to discover
some lubricating substance or material, or amalgamation
of materials, for the lining of boxes, journals, and the
rubbing parts of machinery, which would prevent heating
and abrasion.
This desideratum, Mr. Isaac Babbitt, after a series of
experiments, succeeded in discovering or inventing ; and
in his letters patent he describes it as " an improved
mode of making Boxes for Axles and Gudgeons."
I have been acquainted with Mr. Isaac Babbitt, pa-
tentee of the above invention, for many years. He is a
man of great skill in the application of the principles of
science to manufactures ; and he has been long a profound
investigator of the nature, laws, qualities, and capacities
of metals, as well as an eminently successful practical
and scientific worker in metals. He is well known as a
man of great integrity and truthfulness ; and his state-
ments may be fully believed. He is also a man of great
45
industry and perseverance, and the public are much in-
debted to him as regards the advancements of science and
the mechanic arts.
His efforts to introduce his improvements in boxes for
axles and gudgeons, were continued for many years after
the invention, at great sacrifices on his part, by adver-
tisements, by gifts and presents, by personal attention,
and expensive manufactures, and by devoting, in many
instances, gratuitously, his stock and his labor for the
purpose of getting people to try his invention. Tor a
long time, he was compelled to be at the expense of get-
ting up and maintaining a manufactory, that he might
furnish his invention ready made, and fitted for use ; and
he manufactured articles embracing his said invention,
and gave them away, and sold them at less than cost, in
the belief that the time would come when he should be
remunerated.
Following this course with the confidence of a discoverer,
and with the energy and perseverance of a man convinced
of the intrinsic value of his invention, and determined to
rise or fall with its success, he at times became almost
bankrupt in his finances, and discouraged in his efforts ;
but still he persevered, until at last he succeeded in estab-
lishing the utility of his invention, and in getting it in-
troduced into different parts of the country.
But this being done, a great number of persons made
use of the invention without his knowledge, and without
right ; and many have used it in such a way as to afford
no compensation to Mr. Babbitt, without his engaging in
46
expensive suits at law. But from this he has been de-
terred, alike by his peaceable disposition, and by his un-
willingness to embark what little means he has acquired
upon the sea of litigation.
Thus, the time limited for the duration of his patent
is about expiring, and he has not received a compensa-
tion at all adequate to the value and importance of his
invention, although he has used all due diligence and
efforts to secure to himself such compensation.
I was knowing to many of Mr. Babbitt's earlier efforts
to introduce his invention into use, and I was induced,
from my own conviction of the actual intrinsic value and
usefulness of the thing, as well as from my personal re-
gard for Mr. Babbitt, as a man of great worth of char-
acter, to aid him somewhat in persuading others to try his
invention, and to test its utility by actual practical use.
It was with great difficulty that those to whom the inven-
tion has proved to be of the greatest benefit, could, at
first, be induced to give it a fair trial, and their preju-
dices were overcome only after great solicitation and
perseverance, and after actual trial had convinced them
of the groundlessness of their objections. It was only as
a personal favor to myself, that one of the railroad cor-
porations in Boston, could be prevailed upon to try Mr.
Babbitt's invention, even to a small extent, and yet, after
that corporation had finally purchased, for a small sum,
the right to use said invention, the superintendent thereof
himself informed me, that he would not be deprived of the
invention, and the rk-ht to use it, for $20,000 ; nor, in-
47
deed, for any sum that could be named, of such vast
value did he consider it. I also happened, without, how-
ever, the knowledge at the time of Mr. Babbitt, to be
instrumental in inducing the Hon. Mr. Upshur to con-
clude the contract with Mr. Babbitt, by which the United
States Government acquired the right to use his invention
for the sum of $20,000. If government could have
acquired the right only by paying a much larger sum, it
would have been well warranted in so doing. Mr. Bab-
bitt's labors were unremitting, and it was only by indom-
itable perseverance that he succeeded in overcoming the
obstacles in his way.
I know of no invention so perfectly simple in its nature,
and apparently so obvious when once tried, which is of
so great importance in the running of all machinery,
especially where rapid motion is required, as on railroads,
steamboats, &c, and where so great a saving is made at
so little cost * yet this had never been done, until Mr.
Babbitts inventive mind made it practicable.
I have been requested to state my opinion in answer to
the following questions :
1st. What is the value of Mr. Babbitt's time and
services, annually ?
2d. What would be an adequate remuneration to Mr.
Babbitt, considering the value, usefulness, and impor-
tance of the invention, and the time, labor, and expense
he has devoted to it, and its introduction into use ?
In answer to the first I should say, that taking his
knowledge of science, and his practical skill into the
48
account, his services for the last fourteen years, were well
worth, annually, at least two thousand to twenty-five
hundred dollars.
In answer to the second ; the value, utility, and import-
ance of the invention cannot be computed, being actually
incalculably great. It is difficult to estimate what would
be a proper remuneration to the inventor ; but I should
say, that from one hundred to one hundred and fifty
thousand dollars would not be too large. An invention of
such importance, value, and usefulness, should bring to
the inventor the largest remunerative return, and that
largest return could not more than compensate such a man
as Mr. Babbitt for all his labor, and anxiety, and his ex-
penses, and inventive genius, and skill. I am in no way
interested in said patent, nor do I expect to be. In my
judgment, an extension of the patent is justly and fairly
due to Mr. Babbitt.
GEO. DARRACOTT.
State of Massachusetts.
Suffolk, ss. April 27, 1853.
Sworn to before me, C. Demond,
Justice of the Peace.
49
AFFIDAVIT OF CHAELES S. STOEROW,
Formerly Superintendent Engineer of the Boston and
Lowell Railroad, Agent of the Essex Company, Law-
rence, Mass., and present Mayor of that city.
I, Charles S. Storrow, of Lawrence, in the State of
Massachusetts, on oath depose and say, — That I have
been largely engaged, for many years, in works of Civil
Engineering, and connected with the management of ma-
chine shops. That I became acquainted with Mr. Isaac
Babbitt's improved mode of making or lining Boxes for
Axles and Gudgeons, soon after its first introduction.
That I purchased the right to use it for the Boston and
Lowell Bailroad, of which I was the engineer and gen-
eral agent. And that several years subsequently, I also
purchased it for the Essex Company, at Lawrence, owners
of an extensive machine shop ; of which Company I have
been, and still am, the general agent. That I have al-
ways considered, and do consider, Mr. Babbitt's improve-
ment to be one of great practical utility ; and that in
neither of these two cases was I called upon to pay more
than what seemed to me a moderate and reasonable com-
pensation for the time and expense bestowed by Mr. Bab-
bitt upon its invention and introduction.
CHAS. S. STOEROW.
Boston, May 9th, 1S53.
State of Massachusetts.
Suffolk, ss. May 9th, 1853.
Sworn to before me, A. B. Ely,
5 Justice of the Peace.
50
AFFIDAVIT OF S. V. MEEMOK,
Builder of the United States Steam Frigates Mississippi
and Missouri, Philadelphia.
I, Samuel V. Merrick, of Philadelphia, in the County
of Philadelphia, and State of Pennsylvania, being duly
sworn, do hereby depose and say, — I am a manufacturer
of Marine and other Steam Engines ; in which occupation
I have been engaged for sixteen years. I am well ac-
quainted with Isaac Babbitt's Patent Gudgeon Box and
Soft Metal Lining, and have used the same upon moving
bearings, for the last ten years, or thereabouts.
This metal has been long enough in use to test its
merits, and I consider it a most valuable improvement in
the construction of moving machinery.
1st. It effects a diminution of friction.
2d. a considerable saving of oil.
3d. an economy in the original construction
of bearings.
4th. a saving in repairs.
I am personally acquainted with Mr. Babbitt, and be-
lieve that he has used due diligence to introduce his in-
vention into use. He is a skilful worker in metals, and,
in my opinion, could have commanded a high price for his
services as such, during the past fourteen years.
It is difficult to estimate the value of this invention,
nor am I advised of the amount of compensation already
realized. It was undoubtedly new at the time it was
patented, and has since become an almost indispensable
51
adjunct to many kinds of heavy machinery ; and, in my
judgment, the time ought, in justice to the inventor, to
be extended.
I am in no way interested, neither do I expect to be,
in the patent or its extension, except that I am the owner
of a right to use the same.
Furthermore this deponent saith not.
S. V. MEEEICK.
Philadelphia, May 6th, 1853.
Sworn and subscribed before me, at Philadelphia, this
7th day of May, A. D. 1853.
Jno. B. Kenney,
Alderman and Justice of the Peace.
AFFIDAVIT OF CHAELES W. COPELAND,
Mechanical Engineer, and Manufacturer of Marine
Engines of the largest class. Appointed Engineer of
the United States Navy, and declined. New York.
I, Charles W. Copeland, of the city of New York, by
profession a Mechanical Engineer, and for the last twenty-
one or twenty-two years, engaged in various capacities in
the manufacture and management of steam and other
machinery, have also been largely engaged in the con-
struction of marine engines of the largest class.
I hereby certify, that I have been acquainted with the
anti-attrition metal of Isaac Babbitt, from its first intro-
52
duction. That when first my attention was called to it,
I was quite skeptical as to its value ; but at the earnest
solicitation of the inventor, consented to give it a trial.
I did so by applying it to journals which had given great
trouble by heating, and to my great surprise, found that
after being in use a short time, it had entirely overcome
the difficulty, and that there was no further trouble from
that cause.
Since that time, I have almost invariably made use of
it, and always with the same good results.
In regard to the value of the invention, and its intro-
duction to the public, it would be very difficult to make
even an approximation, in dollars and cents ; but the fol-
lowing statement may give an idea of it.
1st. It is valuable to the designer and constructor of
machinery, as by its use he is, in many cases, enabled to
dispense with the expensive composition boxes for jour-
nals ; he is also enabled, when necessity requires it, to
use a journal of very limited bearing, much more so than
without its use.
2d. It is of great value to the proprietor of the ma-
chinery, not only in the economy of oil, and other lubri-
cators, but the much less rapid wear of the machinery,
repairs required much less frequently, and the consequent
loss of time from these repairs much less ; and where
economy of first cost of machinery is important, much
money can be saved by the use of this metal, in the place
of compositions of copper and tin.
3d. To the attendant upon the machinery, it is very
53
valuable, as lie is relieved, in a great measure, of the
labor and anxiety which must ensue where there is a
liability of journals to heat from the least negligence ; he
is enabled to keep the journals of his machinery in much
better condition than he otherwise could do, and, of
course, the friction is thus reduced to the minnimum;
and further, by its use he can entirely avoid the necessity
of stopping machinery at a critical time, when it is all
important it should not be stopped, and which otherwise
he might be under the necessity of doing.
I do not hesitate to say, that to the country at large,
the value of this invention has been many thousand dol-
lars. I think I may say not less than two or three hun-
dred thousand dollars, and when taken in all its bearings,
are maich more.
CHAS. W. COPELAND.
New York, May 20th, 1853.
City and County of New York, ss.
On this 21st day of May, A. D., 1853, before me came
the within named Charles W. Copeland, who being by me
duly sworn, did depose and say, that he has read the
foregoing statement, and knows the contents thereof, and
that the same is true of his own knowledge, and that he
is not interested in the patent for the anti-attrition metal,
or in the application for the extension thereof.
CHAS. W. COPELAND.
Sworn before me this 21st day of May, 1853.
Sylvester Lay,
Commissioner of Deeds.
50
54
AFFIDAVIT OF MIEKS COEYELL,
Engineer of the Morgan Iron Works, New York.
I, Miers Coryell, about twenty-eight years old, am at
present employed as engineer of the Morgan Iron "Works,
which employs about eight hundred men, chiefly in the
building of Marine Engines, of the largest class. I was
brought up as a practical machinist, and have had good
opportunities of judging as to the merit of various con-
trivances connected with steam engines, and machinery
generally.
I am well acquainted with the anti-attrition metal of
Isaac Babbitt, and have seen it used and fitted up con-
tinually, during the last eleven years.
In the Morgan Iron "Works, it has been used exten-
sively during the last ten years, being used in all journals
for revolving shafts.
I am of opinion it saves materially in friction, say
thirty per cent. ; that shafts wear longer, and are ren-
dered more safe from the absence of wear, and their
retaining their original sizes ; their wearing surfaces
became highly polished, and there is a material saving
in oil from this cause.
I have known steamships upon which this metal has
been used, to perform several voyages, embracing several
thousand miles, without requiring the least tightening
upon either crank-pins or shaft-journals.
In conclusion, I would state that I believe the inven-
tion was new when patented ; that it is eminently useful
55
and practical, saving, yearly, thousands of dollars in my
branch of business alone, and that the inventor deserves
a liberal remuneration for it.
I am not in any way interested in the patent, or in the
extension thereof.
MIEES COEYELL.
New York, May 17th, 1853.
City and County of New Yrork, ss.
On this seventeenth day of May, A. D., 1853, before me
came Miers Coryell, who, being by me duly sworn, did
depose and say, that he has read the foregoing statement,
and knows the contents thereof, and that the same is
true of his own knowledge, and that he is not interested
in the patent for the anti-attrition metal, or in the appli-
cation for the extension thereof.
MIEES COEYELL.
Sworn before me this 17th day of May, 1853.
Sylvester Lay,
Commissioner of Deeds,
AFFIDAVIT OF HENEY B. EENWICK,
Inspector of Steam Vessels, under the Act of Congress of
1852, at New York, and late Principal Examiner of
Patents, at Washington.
To all to whom it may concern, be it known that I,
Henry B. Eenwick, at present Inspector of Steam Vessel
Machinery, under the act of Congress, approved August,
56
1852, and lately principal examiner of patents, have for
many years past been acquainted with the contrivance
known as Babbitt's anti-attrition metal, which is, in fact
however, a method of supporting a soft and easily fusible
alloy within a case of more refractory metal, so that said
contrivance, as a whole, serves in place of the brass, or
bell-metal boxes, usually employed in pillow-blocks or
journals.
I have used this method in machinery owned by my-
self, and have carefully watched its action and effects,
and am now engaged in building a feathering paddle-
wheel, in which all the bearings are fitted in this man-
ner. The contrivance has, as far as my knowledge ex-
tends, always acted to good advantage, has worn well,
equally, and at the same time, slowly ; and the shafts
revolving therein become highly polished, almost like
glass, so that there is a very material saving in oil, or
other lubricators, in friction, and in wear and tear, and
consequently expense of repairs. I cannot state the pre-
cise percentage of such savings, as I never made any
accurate experiments.
I also know that it effects a very important saving in
the fitting of journals, small ones especially. In such
journals, no keys, no gibs, and no straps are needed, and
the brasses are likewise dispensed with. All that is done
is to ream out the interior of a cylindrical hole in the sup-
porting arm or casting, so that the interior of the cavity
has the largest transverse section ; a mandrel of the size
of the shaft is then introduced, and the alloy cast around
67
it. The mandrel is then withdrawn, and the journal-box
is complete without further fitting.
The saving of each journal, thus fitted, amounts to
from four to ten dollars, at a low estimate. Essentially,
this same plan is employed in supporting propeller shafts,
which are often of large size, within the tube, which
passes through the dead wood of the vessel, and in that
case, it would be almost impossible to employ any other
method. Mr. Babbitt's contrivance is now in use in the
largest shops in New York, and is applied successfully to
the very largest and heaviest shafts, say fourteen inch
wrought iron.
I do not, of own knowledge, know anything of the
efforts of the inventor in introducing his invention, but
judging from its almost universal use, both in shops
which are paying for the patent right, and those which
are not, I am of the decided impression that he has suc-
ceeded, in some manner, in impressing upon machinists
generally the importance of using his invention. The
fact being that its use, either with or without license, is
almost universal.
I cannot state, in dollars and cents, the amount of
saving, as based upon the economy in oil, the saving in
wear and tear, in friction, and in original expense, when
all the machines using it in the United States are taken
into account, as I have no statistics of the value of the
machinery employed. I have heard eminent engineers
value it at from one hundred thousand, to two hundred
thousand dollars, (say one to two hundred thousand dol-
58
lars,) and taking its great utility and extensive applica-
tion into account, I do not deem the latter estimate at all
unreasonable.
Neither do I know anything as to the amount received
as remuneration, by the inventor ; but am of opinion that
if he has not received a sum approaching that amount,
that the case presents good ground for a favorable decision
upon the application for extension now pending.
I further believe, that the invention was new when
patented ; and am not in any way, directly or indirectly,
interested in the patent or in the extension thereof.
HENEY B. KENWICK.
New York, May 26, 1853.
On this twenty-sixth day of May, 1853, personally
appeared before the subscriber, a Commissioner of Deeds,
in and for the city of New York, the above named Henry
B. Eenwick, and made solemn oath that the facts set
forth, and opinions and statements herein made, are just
and true, according to the best of his knowledge and
belief.
Sylvester Lay,
Commissioner of Deeds.
59
AFFIDAVIT OF CHAKLES H. HASWELL,
Late Chief Engineer, and Engineer in Chief in the
U, States Navy, and now Surveyor of Steamers at the
ports of NewYorh, Philadelphia, Boston and Baltimore.
New York, April 30, 1853.
Regarding the application and value of the anti-attri-
tion metal of Isaac Babbitt, I have to state, — That as a
Chief Engineer, and as Engineer in Chief of the United
States Navy, and for the last ten years as Surveyor of
Steamers for the ports of New York, Philadelphia, Boston,
and Baltimore, I have had full opportunities of witnessing
both the operation, and the effects, of the use of this metal.
My first experience with it was in the United States
Steamers Missouri and Mississippi. The engines of these
vessels having been fitted without it, and upon their first
cruise, the journals of these engines, although their
engines had been furnished by the days' work, and were
fittted up in the best manner practicable, yet their crank-
pins and shaft-journals heated to a degree that seriously
arrested the operation of the engines, involving delay,
and a great expenditure of tallow and oil; added to
which, these steamers, being the first essays of the gov-
ernment for marine purposes, the result of the heating of
the journals of the engines of these vessels was of so seri-
ous a feature, that it created a prejudice against the
introduction of steam into the naval, service, of so ex-
tended a character, as almost to arrest the further con-
struction of steamers. Before the return of these vessels
60
to this port, in 1842, Babbitt's metal was applied to all
the journals into which it was practicable to introduce
it, and the result was that of signal success. I myself
ran the engines of the Missouri, during a cruise in the
West Indies, without heating a journal. Since this
period, I have designed and directed the construction of
nineeten marine engines, and in every instance I have
used the metal of Mr. Babbitt ; and am of the conviction
that an engine without it, is not fitted with due regard to
economy of operation, or efficiency of action.
As regards the value of this metal, in its economical
effect to the owners of engines and machinery throughout
the United States, it is very difficult for any one to arrive
at any estimate with precision. A mere exponent of the
extent of its utility can alone be given ; thus, in my
opinion, it has saved, since its first introduction, in time,
repairs, and lubricating materials, fully two hundred and
eight thousand dollars, say $208,000, which is the mod-
erate allowance of only twenty dollars per annum upon
the engines of two hundred steamers, (three hundred and
fifty engines,) and of ten dollars upon seven hundred and
fifty locomotives and stationary engines, and of five thou-
sand dollars for machinery purposes.
CHAS. H. HASWELL,
Marine Engineer.
City and County of New York, ss.
On the twenty-ninth day of April, A. D. 1853, before
me came Charles H. Haswell, who, being by me duly
61
sworn, did depose and say, that he has read the foregoing
document, and knows the contents thereof, and that the
same is true of his own knowledge, except as to the mat-
ters and things which are therein stated on information
and belief, and as to these matters, he believes it to be
true ; and that he is not interested in the patent of the
anti-attrition metal of Isaac Babbitt, or in the applica-
tion for a renewal of said patent, directly or indirectly.
J. E. Flannigan,
16, Wall Street. Commissioner of Deeds.
AFFIDAVIT OF CYEUS ALGER,
The celebrated Iron Founder, Boston, Mass.
I, Cyrus Alger, of Boston, in the State of Massachu-
setts, on oath declare and say, — That I have known Mr.
Isaac Babbitt, patentee and inventor of "an improved
mode of making Boxes for Axles and Gudgeons," for
many years.
He is a man of rare talent, skill, and science, as a
practical worker in metals, and a man of great persever-
ance and energy, and of undoubted integrity. Any state-
ment made by him may be fully relied upon.
I have some knowledge of Mr. Babbitt's invention, and
have made use of it in my business. I believe it to be
an invention of very great utility, value, and importance,
6
62
and one which should entitle the inventor to the highest
remuneration therefor. I have no personal interest in the
patent ; hut would gladly see it extended to Mr. Babbitt,
as a just reward for his labors.
[Signed,] CYRUS ALGER.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Suffolk, ss. April 16th, 1853.
Then Cyrus Alger made oath to the truth of the fore-
going certificate, by him subscribed before me,
H. Montgomery,
Justice of the Peace.
AFFIDAVIT OF 0. D. MUNN,
Proprietor of " The Scientific American" Neiv York
City.
I, Orson D. Munn, of the city of New York, on oath
depose and say, — That I have, for many years, devoted a
great portion of my time to the subject of mechanics.
That I have been engaged, for the last seven years, in the
business of examining machinery, and in procuring pa-
tents therefor. That I have also dealt somewhat largely
in the purchase and sale of machinery, of different kinds,
and have had occasion to know and understand about the
practical operation of locomotive and marine engines,
63
steam vessels, and other machinery. That I am ac-
quainted with Isaac Babbitt's patent for an improved
mode of making Boxes for Axles and Gudgeons ; and I
deem the invention one of very great merit and value,
and of high practical utility and importance, and one
which, although introduced, at first, into practice, with
difficulty, has become of almost absolute importance and
necessity to the successful operations of heavy machin-
ery, and the reliable and rapid propulsion of locomotives
and steam vessels.
As a means of diminishing friction, and preventing the
wearing and heating of axles, journals, and bearings, and
also of saving large expense in the use of lubricating
materials, I deem it also of very great value and import-
ance. It is impossible to fix a value upon the invention,
as it is one which, as at present used and needed, could
not well be dispensed with, unless some new matter could
be found to take its place. The inventor, in my judg-
ment, is well entitled to a large remuneration for that
which has proved to be of such vast utility, value, and
importance to the public.
[Signed,] 0. D. MUNK
City and County of New York, ss.
Sworn before me, March 19th, 1853.
M. S. Brewster,
Commissioner of Deeds.
64
AFFIDAVIT OF EOBERT McFARLANE,
Editor of " The Scientific American" New York City.
I, Eobert McFarlane, of the city of New York, on
oath declare and say, — That I have been, for many years,
practically acquainted with mechanics and machinery, and
the workings and operations thereof. I have made the
science of mechanics, and the scientific, as well as prac-
tical, operations of machinery, my study for a long time.
I have a knowledge of Isaac Babbitt's patent for "an
improved mode of making Boxes for Axles and Gudgeons,"
granted in 1839. And I know that his invention is a
vast improvement over the old brass and gun-metal bear-
ings, for machinery. That it wears far longer, and is
attended with very little friction. It has effected a great
saving of power, by decreasing the amount of friction in
the axle boxes of locomotives, the axles of which are
driven at such high rates of speed. Its advantages are
incalculable, both as it regards a saving of lubricating
materials, and the prevention of the heating of journals
and axles, the latter of which, viz. : the heating of jour-
nals, has been the cause of frequent stopping of trains,
the and binding of axles and shafts, the frequent
setting fire to cars, while running at a high rate of speed,
to the great danger of the lives of passengers. Without
it, the successful and uniform operations and workings of
locomotives and steam vessels, would be entirely uncer-
tain, and liable to interruption.
It has come to be considered and felt as almost, if not
65
quite, indispensable to all heavy machinery, and when
there is much amount of strain and wear upon axles,
journals, crank-shafts, and connecting-rods, upon its value,
usefulness, and importance, no estimate can be put.
In my judgment, the inventor should be highly re-
warded, as it has been the means of decreasing the cost
of running machinery ; enabling machinery to be run at
higher rates of velocity, and has increased the safety of
life and limb ; and, in fact, rendered certain, in the run-
ning of machinery, what was before uncertain. The high-
est remuneration is due to one who invents that which is
of such great utility, value, and importance.
[Signed,] ROBERT McFARLANE.
City and County of New York, ss.
Sworn before me, March 19, 1853.
M. S. Brewster,
Commissioner of Deeds.
AFFIDAVIT OF N. MONEOE,
Agent of the Philadelphia Oil Company.
I, Nathaniel Monroe, of Boston, Massachusetts, on
oath depose and say, — That until within a few years past,
I have been for more than twenty years a practical me-
chanic, and have been in the habit of examining machinery
66
of various kinds. Within a few years past, I have had
occasion, from my business connections, to examine the
bearings of machinery, and matters connected with the
running of axles and gudgeons, and crank-shafts and pins,
in various places, and of various descriptions, having
reference to the cheapest and best mode of lubricating and
running the same. I am acquainted with Isaac Babbitt,
patentee of "an improved mode of making Boxes for
Axles and Gudgeons," and have known him for several
years ; I am also acquainted with his said patent.
As a mode of preventing heating, abrasion, and friction
of the revolving and bearing parts of machinery, and of
saving in the use of lubricating materials and repairs, I
deem his invention to be a great desideratum, and one
which, from my own experience, observation, and inquiry,
I believe could not now be dispensed with. It has come,
from its own intrinsic usefulness and importance, to be a
necessary in all machinery, where there is much wear or
strain. Its value I believe to be absolutely incalculable.
Mr. Babbitt is a man of great industry, skill, and truth-
fulness, and his statements may be fully relied upon.
He has been diligent in his attempts to introduce his in-
vention into general use, and to secure to himself a fair
remuneration therefor ; but in the early part of the period
of his patent, he labored under great disadvantages, and
was obliged to be at great expense in so doing. I am
knowing to the value of Mr. Babbitt's property, and I am
of the opinion that, taking all the property of which he
is now possessed, (and a large portion of it has been de-
67
rived from sources other than his said patent,) at its
highest value, Mr. Babbitt would have received a remu-
neration wholly inadequate to the value, usefulness, and
importance of his invention. And he has made no losses
by speculations or bad investments, of what he has re-
ceived. I am not interested in any way in said patent.
[Signed,] NATHANIEL MONROE.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Suffolk, ss.
March 29th, 1853. Sworn to before me,
C. Demond,.
Justice of the Peace.
AFFIDAVIT OF JAMES BLAKE,
Massachusetts.
I, James Blake, of Newton, Massachusetts, on oath
depose and say, — That I know Mr. Isaac Babbitt, inven-
tor and patentee of "an improved mode of making Boxes
for Axles and Gudgeons," and have known him for many
years. He is a man of rare knowledge and skill, as a
scientific and practical worker in metals, and of great in-
dustry and integrity. Any statement made by him may
be fully relied upon as true. His acquirements and capa-
bilities have been, and are such, that he could, in my
judgment, at any time during the last fourteen years,
have commanded a high price for his services, and without
doubt, could have received at least two thousand dollars
per annum, if he had chosen to employ himself for wages.
I should think that a sum smaller than the real value of
his services, and time, and skill. I knew Mr. Babbitt
well at the time when he procured his said patent, and I
knew of the great exertions which he made to introduce
his invention into notice and use, and the difficulties and
embarrassments which he encountered in so doing. I
built for him his first shop, and I lent him money from
time to time, to enable him to prosecute his business.
He was untiring in his efforts to bring his invention into
notice, and took unwearied care and pains to induce per-
sons and corporations to test it, and to introduce it into
practical use. He found great difficulty in persuading
those who would be most benefitted thereby, of its great
utility and value, and he was obliged not only to manu-
facture, and give away largely, but even to introduce it
by stealth into machinery, in order to induce others to
adopt and use his invention ; and in his efforts and
labors, he not only expended all the means which he at
first had, but fell largely in arrears, while pushing the
thing forward. He frequently became quite discouraged,
and disheartened ; but the consciousness that his inven-
tion was actually of such vast utility and importance,
combined with great energy and perseverance, enabled him
to overcome difficulties that would have deterred others
from any further effort.
I know of and about Mr. Babbitt's said invention, and
I believe it to be of as much actual practical benefit to
G9
the community, as almost any for winch a patent has ever
been granted. Its value, utility, and importance, as con-
nected with the running parts of all heavy machinery,
locomotives, rail-cars, steam engines, steam vessels, and
in all cases where there is large strain or wear, or
where high rates of speed are desired, I believe it to be
actually incalculable. It prevents abrasion and heating
of the parts, greatly diminishes friction, and occasions an
immense saving of expense in repairs and lubricating ma-
terial, while it relieves from anxiety, and greatly in-
creases the safety of life and limb.
From my knowledge of Mr. Babbitt, I believe that he
has used all diligence in bringing his said invention into
general notice and use, and in endeavoring to procure a
proper reward therefor, without, however, as regards the
latter, meeting with the success that the value of his in-
vention ought to have insured. To the best of my knowl-
edge and belief, and according to such information as I
have, — and I have known him, and about him, pretty
intimately, — Mr. Babbitt has not realized a remuneration
at all adequate to the importance of his invention. I am
in no way myself interested in his patent, nor do I expect
to be, either directly or indirectly.
[Signed,] JAMES BLAKE.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Middlesex, ss.
March 29th, 1853. Sworn to before me,
Horace B. Witherell,
Justice of the Peace,
70
AFFIDAVIT OF WM. A. PIERPONT,
Machinist and Engineer.
I, William A. Piekpont, of Boston, in the State of Mass-
achusetts, on oath, depose and say, — I am a practical ma-
chinist and engineer, and I have been in the business for
twenty-five years. I know Mr. Isaac Babbitt, the inven-
tor and patentee of "an improved mode of making Boxes
and Gudgeons," and I have known him for twenty-five
years past. He first invented the mode of making Brit-
annia ware in this country, and made a successful appli-
cation thereof, without any foreign aid. He has also made
many other very useful and valuable inventions, and has
contributed largely to the advancement of the arts and
sciences in this country. He is a man of great industry
and perseverance, and of the greatest honesty and truth-
fulness of character. And any statement made by him
may be implicitly relied upon as true.
He is a man of rare acquirements and skill as a practi-
cal chemist, and assayer and metallurgist, and of the most
undoubted capacity as a worker in metals. His talents
and capabilities would entitle him to the highest compen-
sation for his time and services, and for the last fourteen
years, he could, in my opinion, readily have commanded
from two to three thousand dollars per year, for his time
and services alone. I know of his invention for making
boxes for axles and gudgeons, for which he obtained a
patent in July, A. D. 1839. I was with him personally
from September, 1841, to November, 1846, and knew of
his business and movements.
71
Prior to his invention, it was a matter of great difficulty,
and almost impossibility, to run heavy engines, marine
and locomotive, or to run any engines at a high rate of
speed, with any certainty as to time or endurance, from
the constant heating and abrasion of the axles, gudgeons,
journals, crank-pins, and shafts, and a large amount of
force was required to overcome the friction, and great
expense was attendant upon the furnishing of lubricating
materials, and the constant repairs necessary to keep the
machinery in running order. In addition to all this loss
of power and great expense, the management of such ma-
chinery occasioned a constant anxiety, lest danger and
damage should occur.
To obviate these and other difficulties, Mr. Babbitt,
after experimenting, invented his mode of making boxes,
for which he obtained his patent. The consequences of
his invention have been greatly to diminish the friction
of the running and rubbing parts of machinery, to obviate
almost entirely the heating of said parts, to save vast
amounts of lubricating materials, and to prevent wear
and tear, and consequent expense for repairs, to a very
great degree. The power of machinery and its capacity
have been greatly increased, so that engines, marine and
locomotive, will not only carry heavier loads, but at a far
higher rate of speed. I do not believe that the invention
could now be dispensed with. It has come to be an abso-
lute necessity, and a steamship, or a locomotive, or heavy
steam engine, could not be operated with certainty, speed,
or safety, without it, or something equivalent to it.
72
I deem its value to be absolutely incalculable. The
United States paid Mr. Babbitt $20,000 for the use of
his patent ; but I will venture to say, that the saving to
government by this means, as regards three steamships
alone, in the United States Navy, into which it was at
first introduced, has already been far more than the whole
sum paid Mr. Babbitt.
No man would now build a steam-vessel without it.
As its value, usefulness, and importance to the public
are incalculable, as regards capacity, economy, speed, re-
liability, and safety, in matters connected with machinery,
so the remuneration to Mr. Babbitt for such an invention
ought to be in some measure commensurate. On the con-
trary, however, his remuneration has been miserably
small, and hardly beyond what he might have otherwise
realized, without the labor, anxiety, and expense he has
bestowed, for so many years, upon this most useful inven-
tion. Being with Mr. Babbitt in his foundry and shop
for so many years, I know of his efforts to introduce his
invention into general use. It was a matter of great dif-
ficulty to overcome the prejudices of those who ought to
have been, and now are, most interested in the invention,
and who have been most benefited thereby.
It was necessary for Mr. Babbitt to go to great expense
in building, and in procuring the means for manufacturing
boxes, and to expend much time and money in the manu-
facture of work, that he might present it already fitted
and ready for use. He could not explain his invention, so
that the prejudiced persons would understand and adopt it.
73
He was obliged to make his work, and then beg others to
try it, and in some cases, smuggle it into actual use,
before he could persuade others of its great import-
ance and value. His labors and efforts were unceas-
ing, and his discouragements were great and almost
overwhelming.
But he was so much and so fully satisfied of the actual
intrinsic value of his invention, that he persevered in the
face of obstacles which would have broken down almost
any other man. Had it not been for pecuniary assistance
rendered by his friend, Mr. Blake, and subsequently for
the aid which he derived from the amount which was paid
him by government, he would have been utterly and hope-
lessly bankrupt, as he had already expended far beyond
his means, in his efforts to introduce his invention into
use. We made large amounts of work in weight and
value, which Mr. Babbitt gave away to railroads and
manufactories, to induce them to try the invention. He
was obliged to solicit the privilege of putting in boxes
into locomotives and other engines, with the agreement
that if they did not work well, he would take them out,
and replace them with the old kinds, without expense.
He gave large amounts to the United States, and I believe
that all that was at first used in the Mississippi, Mis-
souri, and Princeton steamers, was by him furnished with-
out expense.
Mr. Babbitt's expenses connected with his foundry, and
shop and furnace, and the manufacture of carriage work,
74
were very large, necessarily, and he was obliged to work
at a disadvantage, with the hope of eventually realizing
from proceeds of sale of his patent, rather than from the
sale of work made by him. The work which he made
was of a high character and finish, and, in my judgment,
he was instrumental in raising the quality of brass and
composition castings in this country, from fifty to one
hundred per cent above what they previously were ; that
is, by his efforts, and by the means of the superior qual-
ity of the work he made, the general character of such
work was greatly elevated above the former standards.
Mr. Babbitt's legal expenses were also heavy, and his
family expenses by no means small. In my judgment
and to my knowledge, Mr. Babbitt used all due diligence
in his efforts to introduce his invention into general use.
I know of his receipts for his invention, and, in my opin-
ion, his whole remuneration is altogether inadequate to
the great value and importance of the invention to the
public. Two hundred thousand dollars would be a sum
small enough to reward him for all his toil, and labor,
and anxiety, and time, and services, when the vast use-
fulness and value of his invention is considered. The
saving to the United States Government, in the matter
of oil alone, by the use of his invention, would amount,
in my judgment, to more than all his receipts for his
patent.
I am in no way interested in said patent, nor in the
extension thereof, nor do I expect to be ; but I should be
75
glad to see said patent extended to Mr. Babbitt, as an act
of justice, to wbich he is well entitled.
[Signed,] WM. A. PIERPONT.
State of Massachusetts, Suffolk, ss.
April loth, 1853. Sworn to before me,
C. Demond,
Justice of the Peace.
The patent of Mr. Babbitt has been sustained in the
courts both in the United States and of Great Britain.
In June, 1845, a trial was had in the United States Cir-
cuit Court, in the Northern District of New York, in
favor of Mr. Babbitt, against certain parties infringing
upon his patent, which resulted in a verdict of $4,500 for
the Plaintiff, as appears from the certificate of the clerk
of said Court, annexed.
To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting :
Know ye, that I, Augustus A. Boyce, Clerk of the Cir-
cuit Court of the United States, in and for the Northern
District of New York, in the Second Circuit, having in-
spected the records, files, and minutes of proceedings of
and in my said ofiice, do find the following facts :
"UNITED STATES CIRCUIT COURT.
Northern District of New York.
Isaac Babbitt,
vs.
The Buffalo Steam Engine Works.
This was an action commenced on the 25th day of June,
1844, by the Plaintiff against the Defendants, for an in-
fringement by Defendants, of Plaintiff's Patent Right, for
an improved mode of making boxes for axles and gudg-
eons, issued July 17, 1839 : said action was entered at
the June Term of said Court, and Defendants having
entered their appearance, and filed their pleadings, the
case came on for trial to Jury, at Canandaigua, in said
District, on the 19th day of June, 1845, and, upon the
evidence, the jury found for the Plaintiff, and awarded
damages four thousand five hundred dollars, ($4,500) in
favor of the Plaintiff, and against the Defendants.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my
name, and affixed my official seal, at the clerk's office, in
Utica, in said District, this 30th day of September, in
the year of our Lord, one thousand eight iiundred and
fifty three, and of our Independence the seventy-eighth.
| seal. >• AUGUSTUS A. BOYCE.
§¥5*8*3* Clerk:9
77
EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS, &C.
The following are some extracts from the letters of the
distinguished counsel of the Defendants, in that suit, to
his clients ; which, upon final settlement, were furnished
to Mr. Babbitt.
Canandaigua, June l&th, 1845.
Gent — Mr. Babbitt is on the ground with a large
number of witnesses, and well prepared to try his cause.
He has taken the depositions of our New York witnesses,
and knows exactly what they will swear to. Our Buffalo
witness, Ayers, as the time approaches, begins to recede
from his position, and I have no confidence that he will
do us any good. After the closest scrutiny and exami-
nation, I have no confidence that we can defend success-
fully. Supposing that we might make better terms with
Babbitt, I moved the cause over, this morning, which, you
know, requires us to pay the costs of the term. The
costs are very heavy, and we cannot, at next term, be any
better prepared than we are now, and it would be throw-
70
73
ing away money to pay them. In fact, his patent is a
new and useful invention, and we have violated it, and it
is of no use to try to get rid of the consequences.
In taking this course, I have advised with your Secre-
tary, Mr. AYarren, and your President, Mr. Williamson,
who concur with me in opinion.
I will write you again after the cause is tried.
To the Buffalo Steam Engine Works, Buffalo.
Ganandaigua, June \§th, 1845.
Gent. — Your cause was reached, and the plaintiff took
a verdict for $4,500, which, under the proof, is moderate.
I watched Mr. Stevens' proof, and it was conclusive in
every point ; our witnesses could not have shaken it in
the least. Babbitt seems to be a fair man ; but will fight
to the last for his rights. He has money, perseverance,
and witnesses, and it would cost one more to litigate and
beat him, than to buy his right. You will be able to
judge how dreadfully expensive litigation in this court is,
when I tell you that the witnesses fees alone, taxed
against us for this term, amount to more than $500.
Your only method now is to deal gently and fairly with
Mr. Babbitt, and I think he will not be hard with you.
To the Buffalo Steam Engine Woi'hs.
The whole matter was subsequently compromised, and
the defendants purchased a license of Mr. Babbitt.
79
Another suit was commenced against the Attica and
Buffalo Railroad; but the Company came forward and
purchased a license, and the suit was dropped.
A third suit was brought against the Boston Mill Dam
Company; but that also was settled by the Company
without a trial, and a license purchased.
The same matter was also tried in England, in 1845,
and with a similar result. A patent for the " improved
mode of making Boxes for Axles and Gudgeons," was
granted in England, to Mr. Newton, agent of Mr. Babbitt,
in 1843, and at the Liverpool Summer Assizes, the case
of Newton, vs. The Grand Junction Railway Company,
was tried ; being an action brought against the Defendants
for an infringement of said patent. After a long and
very hotly contested trial, the jury rendered a verdict
sustaining the patent, and awarding the Plaintiff damages
to the amount of £1,000, or $5,000. The most eminent
counsel were retained in the case, and upon a subsequent
hearing before the Court of Exchequer, for a new trial, in
January, 1846, the judges fully sustained the verdict, and
the motion for a new trial was overruled.
The case is reported in the 6th volume of English Law
and Equity Beports, p. 557, to which reference may be
had.
81
OPINION OF COUNSEL UPON THE PATENT.
Boston, October 20, 1853.
Dear Sir : — I am requested by my client, Mr. Isaac
Babbitt, to submit to your consideration his patent for
an improved mode of making Boxes for Axles and Gudg-
eons, issued July 17, 1839, and extended for seven years
from July 17, 1853. My own opinion is very decided in
favor of the originality of the invention, the utility of
the improvement, and the validity of the patent, and is
equally decided as to what may constitute an infringe-
ment. Will you, however, give the subject your atten-
tion, and express to me your views in writing, after care-
fully considering the claims made by my client, and the
facts which I have had the honor to submit to you here-
tofore, regarding Mr. Babbitt and his connection with
this invention.
Respectfully yours,
A. B. ELY,
52 Washington Street
To William Whiting, Esq.,
Counsellor at Law,
35 Court Street.
82
Boston, November 10, 1853.
Dear Sir : — After thorough investigation of the facts
relating to the origin and development of the improvement
of Mr. Isaac Babbitt, and consideration of the questions
upon which (in behalf of your client) you desire my opin-
ion, I am prepared to state the following conclusions.
1st. That the patent, the addition thereto, and the
extension of both, are in due form of law, and are valid.
2d. As to the utility of the improvement, its almost
universal adoption in Europe and America, upon a great
variety of machinery, including steamboats, locomotives
and cars, stationary enginery, and in short upon nearly
every description of bearings in which great weight or
great speed is desirable, is sufficient and conclusive evi-
dence. The appropriation of $20,000 by Congress, the
extension of the patent by the Commissioner of the United
States, and the testimony of machinists, engineers, and
scientific men, put at rest all doubt as to the utility or
value of the invention secured by the letters patent.
3d. Whenever any new and important discovery has
been made, and has proved successful, some persons are
always found who are ready to set up claims to a priority
of invention. The electric telegraph, the ether discovery,
are recent instances ; and in earlier times, the steamboat,
the cotton-gin, the hot-air blast furnace, the application
of anthracite coal to the manufacture of iron, will furnish
further, instances of the same description of unfounded
pretensions.
The question which arose in all these cases was, not
whether, in some solitary instance, an individual may
have tried experiments, (successful or not,) — leaving the
alleged invention undeveloped, or immature and fruit-
less,— but whether, previously to the patentee, any more
fortunate person had fully completed the invention, and
by introducing it into public use or notice, had thus prac-
tically added to the stock of knowledge, that which was
not known before ?
So in the present case, when we observe the striking
effects of Mr. Babbitt's improvement upon the machinery
of this country and of England, the great saving of oil
and of other lubricating material, the extent and variety
of uses to which it has been applied, and the unanimity
of opinion among practical men, in regard to the import-
ance and value, as well as the simplicity of the invention,
it would be strange if some person did not appear who
would, as usual, set up the old pretence that he knew all
about the matter long before Mr. Babbitt's day !
But if this were in fact the case, why was the inven-
tion, at once so simple and so valuable, indeed so indis-
pensable— if it was really made, and understood by the
pretended inventor — allowed to be thrown aside, forgotten,
or abandoned ? not used, brought forward, taken up and
made public as it was by Mr. Babbitt ; and perhaps by
these very pseudo inventors, after Mr. Babbitt had taught
them what the invention was ?
Every case where priority has been claimed by any
person, has been investigated by the patentee or his
agents, (wherever they have had opportunity,) and in
84
every instance it has turned out that the alleged claims
were unfounded.
This pretended defence of want of novelty and original-
ity of invention has been the subject of judicial investi-
gation in the highest courts of England and the United
States, and in both countries the courts and juries have
decided in favor of the patent. And there has been, for
many years, an almost universal acquiescence in the jus-
tice of Mr. Babbitt's claims, by a vast number of indi-
viduals and corporations, in various parts of the country,
who have held licenses or grants under the patentee, and
who are thereby estopped from disputing the validity of
his claim.
Under these circumstances it seems difficult to imagine
a case in which a patent can stand upon a firmer or
broader basis, so far as relates to the question of the
novelty and originality of the invention.
4th. In relation to the subject of infringements, you
are aware that, in order to render a defendant liable to
damages, it is not necessary to show that he has used
exactly the same mode shown in the patent, for holding
the soft metal in its place ; whatever is substantially the
same mode as that prescribed or recommended in the
patent will, if used, be an infringement.
In the case tried in England, no flanges whatever were
used by the defendants ; but they substituted a contriv-
ance which was a mere equivalent, and were, therefore,
found guilty. There are various evasions of the patent,
which are palpable infringements, some of which have
85
been recently brought to my notice ; such as holding the
soft metal in place by running it into holes, or small
cavities, of regular or irregular shapes ; the use of narrow-
longitudinal strips of soft metal alternating with hard
metal ; the hammering of the soft metal into the boxes,
instead of running it in, or causing it to adhere by the
tinning process ; the use of any description or shape of
the hard metal, whereby the lining is prevented from
leaving its true position, by lateral pressure or resistance
of the hard metal, which constitutes the substance of the
box or bearing. All these, and similar modes of obtain-
ing the beneficial results of Mr. Babbitt's invention, are
plain and gross violations of the rights secured to him in
the letters patent.
Respectfully yours,
WILLIAM WHITING,
35 Court Street
A. B. Ely, Esq.,
Counsellor at Law.
86
DIRECTIONS
For preparing Babbitt's Anti -Attrition Metal for lining
Boxes.
In the first place, I melt four pounds of copper, and
when melted, add by degrees, twelve pounds best quality
Banca tin, then add eight pounds regulus of antimony,
and then twelve pounds more of tin, while the composi-
tion is in a melted state.
After the copper is melted, and four or five pounds of
tin have been added, the heat should he lowered to a dull
red heat, in order to prevent oxidation ; then add the re-
mainder of the metal, as above named.
In melting the composition, it is better to keep a small
quantity of powdered charcoal in the pot, on the surface
of the metal.
I make the above composition in the first place, which
I call hardening ; then, as I want to use for lining work,
I take one pound of the hardening, and melt with two
pounds Banca tin, which produces the licing metal I now
use, which I consider the best I have ever used. So that
the proportions for lining metal is, four pounds copper,
eight regulus of antimony, and ninety-six pounds tin..
87
The object I Lave in first preparing the hardening as
aboye mentioned, is economy ; for when the whole is
melted together, I find there is a great waste of metal, as
the hardening is melted at a much less degree of heat,
than the copper and antimony separately.
I find, in my practice, that in melting the lining metal,
or tin for tinning the boxes, there is some oxidation on
the surface of the metal, which should be skimmed off.
This oxide I save, and when I get a quantity, put it into
a black lead crucible, add about one-tenth in bulk of
pounded charcoal, expose it to a smart red heat, which
brings it back again to metal fit for use.
The box or article to be lined, having been cast with a
recess for soft metal, is to be nicely fitted to a former,
which is made the same shape as the bearing, except be-
ing a hair larger than the bearing.
Drill a hole in the box for the reception of the metal,
say half or three-quarters of an inch, according to the
size of the box. The box having been thus prepared, coat
over the part not to be tinned with a clay wash ; wet the
part to be tinned with alcohol, and sprinkle on sal ammo-
niac, ground as fine as common table salt. Heat the box
till a fume arises from the sal ammoniac, and immerse it
in a kettle of Banca tin melted, care being taken not to
heat it so that it oxidises.
After the box is tinned, should it have a colored ap-
pearance, sprinkle a little sal ammoniac, which will make
it of a bright silver color, and cool it gradually in water ;
then take the former, to which the box has been fitted,.
ss
and coat it over with a thin clay wash, and warm it so
that it will be perfectly dry ; heat the box until the tin
begins to melt, lay it on the former, and pour in the
metal, which should not be so hot as to oxidise, giving
the metal a head, so that as it shrinks it will fill up.
After it is sufficiently cool, take it off the former and
scour the box, so that there may be no sand or dirt on it,
which would injure the bearing.
P. S. — A shorter method may be adopted when the
work is light enough to handle quickly, viz. : ichen the
box is prepared for tinning, it may be immersed in the
lining metal instead of the tin, brushed lightly, in order
to remove the sal ammoniac from the surface, placed im-
mediately on the former, and lined with the same heat.
The Patent Boxes are used on almost all the railroads
and steamboats, and in almost all the machine shops in
the country ; a large portion of which purchased rights
of Mr. Babbitt for the use of his patent, during the orig-
inal term thereof, which expired July 17, 1853.
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